Author Topic: Launch related items in the FY2018 U.S. budget process  (Read 10794 times)

Offline oldAtlas_Eguy

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Re: Launch related items in the FY2018 U.S. budget process
« Reply #20 on: 11/21/2017 10:22 pm »
Like many things coming out of the legislature the wording is not explicit and can be open to interpretations both pro and con from the standpoint of the AR-1. If the interpretation is that there is only one engine (where Raptor and BE-4 do not count somehow) then nothing changes. But if either BE-4 or Raptor is considered as being part of what is meant then this gives the AF the ability to cancel the AR-1 contract and all other engine development contracts.

If the funds come out of a larger funding line item for other things as well then the AF has incentive to cancel contracts.

But if this engine development has it's own funding separate then there is little to no incentive to cancel contracts this year. It is just that this item is not likely to survive as an appropriation item into FY2019.

The hint is that once a "usable" domestic engine exists as a replacement for RD-180 then congress would stop authorizing/appropriating money for it. AF is unlikely to certify to this until ULA has made its choice final.

Offline gongora

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Re: Launch related items in the FY2018 U.S. budget process
« Reply #21 on: 03/28/2018 04:28 pm »
You can see the Omnibus spending bill here:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/1625/text

Almost no mention of EELV program, just a statement that funds for competitive procurements must actually be competed among all eligible suppliers with the "best value" winning (which doesn't necessarily mean lowest price).

Still has Europa missions launching on SLS in 2022 and 2024  ::)  The SLS funding specifies $300M for EUS and Block 2 performance numbers  ::)

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